The Shilling is the title of the Kenyan currency inherited from the country’s British colonial past. It is also locally referred to as “bob” and a “pound” is equivalent to twenty shillings.

Denominations in the form of coins are; 5, 10, 20, 50 cents (rarely used in common transactions) and 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Notes exist for; 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings.

Money can be exchanged at some international banks before entering the country, at the airport on arrival, banks and foreign exchange bureaus.

Because of the high crime rate in Nairobi City, it is advisable not to use street money changers. Many of them use this pretence to lure innocent travelers who end up being conned or mugged.

Local daily newspapers and television provide information on the shilling’s exchange rates with most major currencies. As of the 7th December 5, 2008 one American dollar is equivalent to 79.0000 shillings and one British Sterling pound is equivalent to 115.753 shillings.